World Juniors: U.S. falls to Canada in semis

Team USA to play Sweden for bronze medal

PR Wire Report

Jerry D'Amigo of the United States and Quinton Howard of Canada collide during the semifinal game. (photo: Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chris Brown scored the lone goal for Team USA, as the U.S. National Junior team dropped a 4-1 decision to Canada in the semifinals of the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship before a sellout crowd of 18,690 at HSBC Arena.

The United States will play for a medal for the eighth time in nine years when it faces Sweden at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the bronze-medal game.

"Our players are working hard as individuals, but we didn't come together as a team," said Keith Allain (Worcester, Mass.), head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. "We'll have a good practice tomorrow and will prepare to play for bronze on Wednesday."

Team USA fell behind less than three minutes into the game. Goalie Jack Campbell kept the U.S. close, making 25 saves in the first two periods and 37 saves overall. But Canada eventually built a 4-0 lead six minutes into the final frame.

Brown gave Team USA life with a power-play goal midway through the third period. A shot by Jeremy Morin hit a stick and bounced toward Brown, who knocked the puck out of the air and over the blocker of Canada goalie Mark Visentin. Team USA, however, could get no closer and dropped its first game of the tournament.

Wednesday afternoon's bronze-medal game will be televised live on the NHL Network U.S. and streamed live on USAHockey.FASTHockey.com.

NOTES: Jack Campbell was named Team USA's Player of the Game. … Team USA finished 1-for-4 on the power play, while Canada was 1-for-3 with the man advantage. … In the other semifinal game, Russia defeated Sweden, 4-3, in a shootout to advance to the gold-medal game. For a full tournament schedule and ticket information, visit BuffaloWorldJuniors.com. … Additional information on Team USA, including a team blog, stats and a media guide, can be found at USAHockey.com.